Labrador Retrievers: One of The More Popular Dog Breeds

When it comes to comparing the natural instinct of retrieving in dogs, you cannot ignore retriever Labrador. It is one of the most popular dog breeds among pedigree breeds. Versatility is another impressive feature of this dog breed. It can be your working gundog, service dog, guide dog and family companion because it is a friendly and high-spirited dog.

Originated from Newfoundland, fishermen used retriever Labrador to pull loaded carts and retrieve lost lines in the 16th century. Labrador was also called as St John’s and used to have a smaller size than Labradors have today.

Many people believed that the small Labradors mated with hunting dogs, which then resulted in the birth of modern Labrador.

Nutrition

Giving Labrador a well-balanced diet is a key to keep it happy and healthy. The well-being of your dog depends on the quality of the food you are serving it. Plus, the quantity of food and type of food can also have a significant impact on your Labrador’s health. To put it simply, finding a nutritional meal to maintain the optimum health of your dog is vital.

Retriever Labrador, in this regard, does well if you are feeding it high-quality food. Make sure your veterinarian approves the dog food whether it is home-prepared or commercially manufactured. Moreover, the given food must be age appropriate to your dog (senior, puppy or adult).

The Labradors a tend to gain weight if you feed them the excessive treats. Hence, you have to be very careful about your Lab’s calorie consumption. Monthly visits to your vet are must for identifying the issues regarding dog’s diet and weight.

Grooming

The thick, wash-and-wear coat of Labrador might make you think that your Labrador does not need grooming. It is not true.

Labrador’s regular grooming does not only ensure its health hygiene but also improve your bonding with it.

You can give it occasional baths. Labrador’s grooming session must include a complete head-to-toe massage. It gives you the opportunity to spot dry patches, lumps, hair loss or any bumps. Nail trimming and teeth brushing are also mandatory parts of a grooming session.

Exercise

The active and exuberant nature of Labrador’s breed requires many daily exercises.

According to veterinarians, engaging your Lab in exercise is important to release its pent-up energy.

It refrains dog from adopting destructive behavior.

Some of the best engaging activities for this breed are swimming and hunting.

Training

A Labrador is highly trainable. It performs best if used for elite jobs like rescue missions as a guide dog. Many law enforcement organizations use their well-trained Labs for drug detection.

To improve your Lab’s physical strength, you can opt for its obedience training. Puppy training is an ideal way to develop your Lab into a well-mannered and well-adjusted adult. Besides that, puppy training will allow you to recognize the bad habits your Lab might be developing.

Emotional Support Dog Characteristics

Labrador Retrievers can certainly become emotional support animals, however; their larger size does make them a bit more difficult to travel with. If you’re contemplating adopting this breed, please keep that in mind. If you’re a very active family that doesn’t travel that much – this canine breed is a great companion to have around the house.

Health

There are a number of ways you can monitor the health conditions of your Labrador. Typically, Labrador is an energetic and healthy dog, but it requires screening to identify health conditions such as:

Hereditary myopathy

Hip dysplasia

Retinal atrophy

Heart conditions

DNA testing is the best way a breeder can identify carriers and focus on planned breeding to prevent the symptoms. Hence, as a dog owner, educating yourself about different Lab’s health conditions is crucial.

Bottom Line

Overall, Labradors are gentle and family-friendly dogs. They are easy to train, and you can use them for various purposes. They are full of innate eagerness that shows their hyperactive nature.